Primers and Methods for Determining RhD Zygosity

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are primers comprising a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of a RhD gene. Also provided herein are methods of determining a RhD zygosity in a subject. Also provided are methods of detecting a weak D allele in a subject. Further provided are kits for determining an RhD zygosity.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional

Application No. 61/244,711, filed Sep. 22, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Human blood is classified by antigenic compatibility according to two main systems: the ABO system and Rhesus (Rh) system. The Rh system consists of several closely related proteins encoded by two tandemly duplicated genes on human chromosome 1. Clinically, the most important Rh antigen is called Rhesus D (RhD) antigen. Humans who have this antigen on their red blood cells are termed RhD positive (RhD⁺), whereas those that do not carry the antigen are teemed RhD negative (RhD⁻). As the Rh blood types are inherited characteristics, a fetus may inherit a blood type from its father that differs from that of its mother. Clinically this is not a problem if the mother is RhD⁺, but if the mother is RhD⁻ and the fetus inherits the dominant RhD⁺ allele from the father, complications during pregnancy may arise.

SUMMARY

Provided herein are primers comprising a nucleotide having a sequence complementary to a portion of the RhD gene. The primers may include a nucleotide comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3, or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90, 93, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99% identity thereto. The primer can, for example, be about 18 to about 30 nucleotides, or about 25 to about 50 nucleotides, in length. For example the primer may be from 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 nucleotides to 22, 25, 28, 30, 35 or 50 nucleotides in length.

Also provided are methods of determining RhD zygosity in a subject. The methods comprise obtaining a nucleic acid from a biological sample of the subject; performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay on the nucleic acid with a primer pair comprising a first primer and a second primer, wherein the PCR assay results in a PCR-product; digesting the PCR-product with a restriction enzyme; and analyzing the digested PCR-product for nucleotide fragments of a first, second, or third pattern, wherein the PCR-product pattern determines the RhD zygosity of the subject. The first primer comprises a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of a RhD gene, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3, or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90% identity thereto, and optionally wherein the nucleotide sequence is about 18 to 30 nucleotides in length.

Also provided are methods of detecting a weak D allele in a subject. The methods comprise obtaining a nucleic acid from a biological sample of the subject; performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay on the nucleic acid with a primer pair comprising a first primer and a second primer, wherein the PCR assay results in a PCR-product; digesting the PCR-product with a restriction enzyme; analyzing the digested PCR-product for nucleotide fragments of a first, second, or third pattern, wherein the digested PCR-product pattern determines the RhD zygosity of the subject; and sequencing the RhD gene to determine if the subject has a weak D allele, wherein a mutation with the RhD gene indicates the subject has a weak D allele. The first primer comprises a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of a RhD gene, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, or SEQ ID NO:3, or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90% identity thereto, and optionally wherein the nucleotide sequence is about 18 to about 30 nucleotides in length.

Further provided are kits for determining RhD zygosity. The kits comprise a first primer comprising a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of the a RhD gene as provided herein, wherein the nucleotide sequence optionally comprises SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3, or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90% identity thereto, and optionally wherein the nucleotide sequence is about 18 to about 30 nucleotides in length; and a container. Optionally, a second primer and/or other components are included in the kit.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic demonstrating the manner in which the RhD deletion occurred. The RhD deletion resulted from an asymmetrical chromosome crossover.

FIG. 2 shows an image of a gel demonstrating the RhD zygosity of several subjects in the same family.

FIG. 3 shows an image of a gel demonstrating the RhD zygosity for RhD+/+, RhD−/−, and RhD+/− subjects with multiple primer pairs. Sample 1: Homozygous RhD+/+; Sample 2: Homozygous RhD−/−; Sample 3: Heterozygous RhD+/−. P indicates sample treated with the restriction enzyme PstI to generate the diagnostic DNA banding pattern.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein are primers comprising a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of a RhD gene. As known in the art, a “primer” is a strand of nucleic acid (DNA, RNA, modified forms thereof, etc.) that may be used, for example, as a starting point for DNA synthesis. The primers may be used in molecular biological techniques such as PCR, hybridization and microarray analysis, etc., and optionally are nucleic acids. Nucleic acids to be used as primers may be synthesized using techniques well known in the art.

The primers may comprise a nucleotide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO:1 or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:1, and wherein the nucleotide sequence is about 18 to about 30 nucleotides in length. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence comprises about 1 to about 10 nucleotides (or any number of nucleotides in the range) at a 5′-end of SEQ ID NO:1. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence has at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:1. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence has at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence has at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:1. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:1.

Provided herein are primers comprising a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of a RhD gene. The primers comprise a nucleotide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO:2 or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:2, and wherein the nucleotide sequence is about 25 to about 50 (or any number of nucleotides in the range) nucleotides in length. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence comprises about 1 to about 10 additional nucleotides (or any number of nucleotides in the range) at a 5′-end of SEQ ID NO:2. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence comprises about 1 to about 10 additional nucleotides (or any number of nucleotides in the range) at a 3′-end of SEQ ID NO:2. The nucleotide sequence can, for example, comprise about 1 to about 10 additional nucleotides (or any number of nucleotides in the range) at each of a 5′- and a 3′-end of SEQ ID NO:2. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence has at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:2. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence has at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:2. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence has at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:2. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:2. Optionally, the primer hybridizes to a portion of the RhD gene at stringent conditions.

Also provided herein are primers comprising a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of a RhD gene. The primers comprise a nucleotide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO:3 or a nucleotide sequence with at least 93% identity to SEQ ID NO:3, and wherein the nucleotide sequence is about 25 to about 50 nucleotides (or any number of nucleotides in the range) in length. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence comprises about 1 to about 10 additional nucleotides (or any number of nucleotides in the range) at a 5′-end of SEQ ID NO:3. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence comprises about 1 to about 10 additional nucleotides (or any number of nucleotides in the range) at a 3′-end of SEQ ID NO:3. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence comprises about 1 to about 10 additional nucleotides (or any number of nucleotides in the range) at each of a 5′- and a 3′-end of SEQ ID NO:3. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence has at least 93% identity to SEQ ID NO:3. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence has at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:3. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence has at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:3. Optionally, the nucleotide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:3. Optionally, the primer hybridizes to a portion of the RhD gene at stringent conditions.

Further provided are methods of determining RhD zygosity in a subject. The methods comprise (a) obtaining a nucleic acid from a biological sample of a subject; (b) performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay on the nucleic acid with a primer pair comprising (i) a first primer, wherein the first primer comprises a nucleotide sequence complementary to a sequence in a RhD gene, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:1 or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:1, and wherein the nucleotide sequence is about 18 to about 30 nucleotides in length, and (ii) a second primer, wherein the PCR assay results in a PCR-product; (c) digesting the PCR-product with a restriction enzyme; and (d) analyzing the digested PCR-product for nucleotide fragments of a first, second, third pattern; wherein the digested PCR-product pattern determines the RhD zygosity of the subject. Optionally, the second primer comprises a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of a RhD gene, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:2 or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:2, and wherein the nucleotide sequence is about 25 to about 50 nucleotides in length. Optionally, the second primer comprises a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of a RhD gene, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:3 or a nucleotide sequence with at least 93% identity to SEQ ID NO:3, and wherein the nucleotide sequence is about 25 to about 50 nucleotides in length. Optionally, the restriction enzyme is PstI.

Further provided are methods of detecting a weak D allele in a subject. The methods comprise (a) obtaining a nucleic acid from the a biological sample of the subject; (b) performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay on the nucleic acid with a primer pair comprising (i) a first primer, wherein the first primer comprises a nucleotide sequence complementary to a sequence in a RhD gene, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:1 or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:1, and wherein the nucleotide sequence is about 18 to about 30 nucleotides in length, and (ii) a second primer, wherein the PCR assay results in a PCR-product; (c) digesting the PCR-product with a restriction enzyme; (d) analyzing the digested PCR-product for nucleotide fragments of a first, second, or third pattern, wherein the digested PCR-product determines the RhD zygosity of the subject; and (e) sequencing the RhD gene to determine if the subject has a weak D allele, wherein a mutation within the RhD gene indicates the subject has a weak D allele. Optionally, the second primer comprises a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of a RhD gene, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:2 or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:2, and wherein the nucleotide sequence is about 25 to about 50 nucleotides in length. Optionally, the second primer comprises a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of a RhD gene, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:3 or a nucleotide sequence with at least 93% identity to SEQ ID NO:3, and wherein the nucleotide sequence is about 25 to about 50 nucleotides in length. Optionally, the restriction enzyme is PstI.

The digested PCR-product can, for example, produce a first pattern, wherein the first pattern indicates the subject is RhD+/+. The first pattern comprises nucleotide fragments resolved on an electrophoresis gel, wherein the nucleotide fragments are about 1800, 740, and 400 base pairs in length, and lacks nucleotide fragments about 560 and 180 base pairs in length.

The digested PCR-product can, for example, produce a second pattern, wherein the second pattern indicates the subject is RhD+/−. The second pattern comprises nucleotide fragments resolved on an electrophoresis gel, wherein the nucleotide fragments are about 1800, 740, 560, 400, and 180 base pairs in length.

The digested PCR-product can, for example, produce a third pattern, wherein the third pattern indicates the subject is RhD−/−. The third pattern comprises nucleotide fragments resolved on an electrophoresis gel, wherein the nucleotide fragments are about 1800, 560, 400, and 180 base pairs in length, and lacks a nucleotide fragment about 740 base pairs in length.

Provided herein are kits for determining RhD zygosity. The kits comprise a first primer described herein and a container. For example, the first primer comprises a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of a RhD gene, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:1 or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:1, and wherein the nucleotide sequence is about 18 to about 30 nucleotides (or any number of nucleotides in the range) in length. Optionally, the kit further comprises a second primer described herein. For example, the second primer is a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of a RhD gene, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:2 or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:2, and wherein the nucleotide sequence is about 25 to about 50 nucleotides (or any number of nucleotides in the range) in length. Optionally, the second primer is a nucleotide sequence complementary to a portion of a RhD gene, wherein the nucleotide sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:3 or a nucleotide sequence with at least 93% identity to SEQ ID NO:3, and wherein the nucleotide sequence is about 25 to about 50 nucleotides (or any number of nucleotides in the range) in length.

Optionally, the kit further comprises a reaction vessel comprising one or more components for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The one or more components can, for example, comprise one or more of a thermostable polymerase, a buffer solution, and nucleotides for making a PCR-product. Optionally, the kit further comprises a restriction enzyme for digesting the PCR product. The restriction enzyme can, for example, be PstI. Optionally, the kit further comprises a gel to determine a pattern of the digest PCR products.

The kit can, for example, comprise one or more controls for the first, second, or third pattern of digested PCR product. The first pattern indicates a subject is RhD+/+. The second pattern indicates a subject is RhD+/−. The third pattern indicates the subject is RhD−/−. The control for the first pattern can comprise nucleotide fragments resolved on an electrophoresis gel, wherein the nucleotide fragments are about 1800, 740, and 400 base pairs in length, and lacks nucleotide fragments about 560 and 180 base pairs in length. The control for the second pattern can comprise nucleotide fragments resolved on an electrophoresis gel, wherein the nucleotide fragments are about 1800, 740, 560, 400, and 180 base pairs in length. The control for the third pattern can comprise nucleotide fragments resolved on an electrophoresis gel, wherein the nucleotide fragments are about 1800, 560, 400, and 180 base pairs in length, and lacks a nucleotide fragment about 740 base pairs in length.

Also provided are PCR substrates comprising one or more of the primers described herein. The PCR substrate can, for example, be a test tube, a microfuge tube, a PCR tube, or a multiple-well plate.

Specifically, provided herein are primers complementary to a portion of a RhD gene. Optionally, the primer comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising 5′-CCA CAA CGC ATG GGA ATT CAG-3′ (SEQ ID NO:1). Optionally, the primer comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising 5′-AAA CTG CAT GAC AAT CTA TAG-3′ (SEQ ID NO:2). Optionally, the primer comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising 5′-GGT TTT TTT GTT TGT TTT TGG CGG TGC-3′ (SEQ ID NO:3).

As discussed above, the primers provided herein have a desired function. The primers provided herein selectively bind a portion of the RhD gene and amplify a fragment of the RhD gene located between the forward primer and the reverse primer in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The amplified portion of the DNA, referred to herein as a PCR product, is then subjected to a restriction digest and analysis. The result of the analysis indicates the RhD zygosity of a subject.

As with all primers, it is understood that additional modifications in the nucleotide sequence can occur that do not alter the function of the primers. Such modifications include addition and deletion of nucleotides from either the 5′ or 3′ end of the primer. For example, about 1 to about 10 nucleotides can be added to the 5′-end of a primer comprising SEQ ID NO:1. By way of another example, about 1 to about 10 nucleotides can be added to a 5′-end, a 3′-end, or both a 5′-end and a 3′-end of a primer comprising SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3.

The primers described herein can be further modified so long as the desired function is maintained. It is understood that one way to define any known modifications that might arise, of the disclosed primers herein is through defining the modifications in terms of identity to specific known sequences. Specifically, disclosed are primers which have at least 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, and 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2. By way of another example, disclosed are primers which have at least 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, and 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:3. Those of skill in the art readily understand how to determine the identity of two nucleotide sequences. For example, the identity can be calculated after aligning the two sequences so that the identity is at its highest level.

Other methods for calculating the identity of nucleic acids can, for example, include the algorithms disclosed in Zuker, Science 244:48-52 (1989); Jaeger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:7706-7710 (1989); Jaeger et al., Methods Enzymol. 183:281-306 (1989), which are herein incorporated by reference for at least material related to nucleic acid alignment. It is understood that any of the methods typically can be used and that in certain instances the results of these various methods may differ, but the skilled artisan understands if identity is found with at least one of these methods, the sequences would be said to have the stated identity, and be disclosed herein.

Provided herein are methods of determining an RhD zygosity in a subject. The methods comprise performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay on a nucleic acid obtained from a subject. A PCR assay is a technique used to amplify a single or a few copies of DNA across several orders of magnitude, generating thousands to millions of copies of a particular DNA sequence. Specifically, in the methods described herein, the particular DNA sequence spans a portion of the RhD gene. A PCR assay is broken down into three basic steps: (a) a denaturation step to separate each strand of the DNA to be amplified; (b) an annealing step for the primers used to amplify the DNA to anneal to each strand of DNA; (c) and an extension step for a thermostable polymerase to synthesize a DNA strand. These basic steps are carried out at different temperatures for different amounts of time and are repeated for multiple cycles. Optionally, the annealing temperature in the PCR assay is between 54° C. and 65° C. Optionally, the annealing temperature in the PCR assay is 56° C. PCR assays are known in the art. See, e.g., Lutfalla and Uze, Methods Enzymol. 410:386-400 (2006); Lo and Chan, Methods Mol. Biol. 336:1-10 (2006).

Optionally, the nucleic acid is DNA. Optionally, the nucleic acid is RNA. To perform the PCR assay, the RNA is converted to DNA through a technique known as reverse transcription. Reverse transcription is known in the art. See, e.g., Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 3rd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (2001); Khan et al., Biochem. Biophys. Acta. 1423:17-28 (1999).

The PCR assay produces a PCR product. The PCR product is subjected to a restriction digest to produce a particular pattern. Optionally, the PCR product is digested with PstI. The digested PCR product is run on an electrophoresis gel to analyze the pattern produced by the restriction digest. In determining a RhD zygosity by the methods provided herein, the digested PCR products can produce a first, second, or third pattern when resolved on an electrophoresis gel. The electrophoresis gel can, for example, be an agarose gel or a polyacrylamide gel. Methods of using electrophoresis to separate DNA fragments based on size and the gels to be used are well known in the art. See, e.g., Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 3^(rd) Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (2001).

Provided herein are methods of detecting a weak D allele in a subject. The method comprises obtaining a nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) from a biological sample of the subject; performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay on the nucleic acid with a primer pair comprising (i) a first primer and second primer described herein, wherein the PCR assay results in a PCR-product; digesting the PCR-product with a restriction enzyme (e.g., PstI); analyzing the digested PCR-product for nucleotide fragments of a first, second, or third pattern, wherein the digested PCR-product pattern determines the RhD zygosity of the subject; and sequencing the RhD gene to determine if the subject has a weak D allele. A mutation within the RhD gene indicates the subject has a weak D allele. The mutation in the weak D allele comprises any mutation within the coding region of the RhD peptide. Mutations in the RhD gene associated with a weak D allele result in a reduced expression of D antigen. Such mutations are described, for example, in Wagner et al., Blood 95:2699-708 (2000), and Polin et al., Transfusion 49:676-81 (2009). The digested PCR-product produces a first pattern, wherein the first pattern indicates the subject is RhD+/+ as described herein; a second pattern, wherein the second pattern indicates the subject is RhD+/− as described herein; or a third pattern, wherein the third pattern indicates the subject is RhD−/− as described herein. The subject can be either a male or a female. The PCR conditions for the method are as described herein.

Nucleic acid duplex or hybrid stability is expressed as the melting temperature or Tm, which is the temperature at which a primer dissociates from a target DNA. This melting temperature is used to define the required stringency conditions. If sequences are identified that are related and substantially identical to the primer, rather than identical, then it is useful to first establish the lowest temperature at which only homologous annealing of the primer and target nucleic acid occurs in the specified PCR reaction conditions. Assuming that a 1% mismatching results in a 1° C. decrease in Tm, the temperature of the primer annealing step in the PCR reaction is reduced accordingly (for example, if sequences having more than 95% identity are sought, the final annealing temperature is decreased by 5° C.). In practice, the change in Tm can be between 0.5 and 1.5° C. per 1% mismatch. Stringent conditions refer to conditions that permit the primer pair to hybridize only to the target nucleic acid sequence to which a primer, having the corresponding wild-type sequence (or its complement) would bind and preferably to produce a unique amplification product. Highly stringent conditions involve annealing temperatures more than 4° C. higher than the predicted annealing temperature of the primer and target nucleic acid in a PCR reaction. Moderately stringent conditions involve annealing temperatures within a range of plus or minus 4° C. of the predicted annealing temperature of the primer and target nucleic acid in a PCR reaction. Calculating a predicted annealing temperature for a primer and its target nucleic acid is known in the art. See, e.g., Deiffenbach et al., General Concepts for PCR Primer Design, in PCR Primer, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., pp 133-155 (1995); Innis and Gelfand, Optimization of PCRs, in PCR protocols, A Guide to Methods and Applications, CRC Press, London, England, pp 5-11 (1994). Salt concentrations of the PCR reaction buffers and temperatures can be varied to achieve the optimal level of identity between the primer and the target nucleic acid. Additional guidance regarding such conditions is readily available in the art, for example, in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 3rd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (2001).

As used throughout, subject can be a vertebrate, more specifically a mammal (e.g. a human, horse, cat, dog, cow, pig, sheep, goat, mouse, rabbit, rat, and guinea pig), birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and any other animal. The term does not denote a particular age or sex. Thus, adult and newborn subjects, whether male or female, are intended to be covered. Optionally, the subject is male. As used herein, patient or subject may be used interchangeably and can refer to a subject to be tested for RhD zygosity or a weak D allele. The term patient or subject includes humans and veterinary subjects.

As used herein, a biological sample from which a nucleic acid is extracted is a sample derived from a subject and includes, but is not limited to, any cell, tissue, or biological fluid. For example, the biological sample is a sample of colon tissue or cells, ovary tissue or cells, lung tissue or cells, mammary tissue or cells, skin tissue or cells, or brain tissue or cells. Examples of bodily fluids include, but are not limited to, whole blood, serum, urine, saliva, tissue infiltrate, pleural effusions, lung lavage fluid, bronchioalveolar lavage fluid, and the like. The biological fluid may be a cell culture medium or supernatant of cultured cells from the subject.

Disclosed are materials, compositions, and components that can be used for, can be used in conjunction with, can be used in preparation for, or are products of the disclosed methods and compositions. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these compounds may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if a method is disclosed and discussed and a number of modifications that can be made to a number of molecules including the method are discussed, each and every combination and permutation of the method, and the modifications that are possible are specifically contemplated unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also specifically contemplated and disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects of this disclosure including, but not limited to, steps in methods using the disclosed compositions. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed, it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific method steps or combination of method steps of the disclosed methods, and that each such combination or subset of combinations is specifically contemplated and should be considered disclosed.

Publications cited herein and the material for which they are cited are hereby specifically incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Examples General Methods

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Assay. For the PCR the SuperTaq™ Plus Kit (Ambion division of Applied Biosystems, product # AM2054: Austin, Tex.) was used following the manufacturer's instructions. Reaction volumes were 40 microliters (μl) and 200 nanograms (ng) of genomic DNA were added. Primer concentration was 400 ng of each primer used per reaction. The components were mixed in a PCR tube and the PCR reactions were carried out as follows: The PCR reaction was heated at 96° C. for 2 minutes to denature the double stranded DNA. Then the PCR reactions was heated at 94° C. for 20 seconds (product melting), 56° C. for 20 seconds (primer annealing), and 68° C. for 4 minutes (product elongation). This was repeated for 35 cycles. After 35 cycles, the PCR reactions were held at 4° C. until analyzed. Special note: the reaction extension temperature can be anywhere from 64 to 76 degrees C. 68° C. is that recommended for use with SuperTaq™ Plus.

PCR assay analysis. A 10 ml aliquot of PCR product was digested with PST I. The PST I enzyme was obtained from NewEngland Biolabs (NEB; Ipswich, Mass.). Reaction conditions were 10 μl of PCR product; 1 μl of NEB buffer 3 and 1 μl of PST I (5 units per μl). Reactions were incubated at 37° C. for 1 hour. Cut and uncut PCR products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis (1% agarose in TAE buffer). Bands were stained with ethidium bromide and visualized by UV illumination.

Results

Although several different mutations are known to confer the RhD-phenotype, the most prevalent is a deletion of the RhD gene that resulted from an asymmetrical chromosome crossover during human evolution. This deletion has become fixed in the human population and is found at highest frequency in the European population. However, it is present in all ethnic groups. FIG. 1 illustrates the way in which the RID deletion occurred. The RhD gene is followed by a tandem inverted repeat that codes for the RhC and E factors (panel A). An asymmetrical crossover between two nearly identical repeats that flank the RhD gene, indicated by small arrowheads (panel B), resulted in the loss of the RhD gene on one chromosome (panel C) and duplication on the other. The duplication has been lost from the human population but the deletion has become fixed. There are thus two alleles present in the population, one with the RhD gene intact and the other with the RhD gene deleted.

Because of the large size and presence of duplications of the RhD gene and its flanking region, it has proven difficult to design robust genetic assays to identify the presence of both RhD alleles within one individual. As both alleles have been sequenced, a direct comparison of the sequence covering the RhD gene and its deletion can be made. A unique polymorphism that encodes a Pst I restriction site has been identified in the recombinant repeat present on the chromosome carrying the RhD deletion (panel C above). This Pst site can be used to positively identify the presence of the RhD alleles. However, because the repeats flanking the RhD gene and the recombinant repeat are almost identical, it has proven difficult to identify a primer pair that can be used to robustly amplify the sequence flanking the Pst I polymorphism from both alleles. Matters are further complicated by the fact that the repeat sequence flanking the RhD gene can be found throughout the human genome.

TABLE 1 Sequence Alignment for Repeat Boxes Flanking the RhD Gene RhDbox2 ACCTGTCCCCATGATTCAGTTACCTCCCACTGGGTCCCTC

60 SEQ ID NO: 4 RhDboxhyb ACCTGTCCCCATGATTCAGTTACCTCCCACTGGGTCCCTC

60 SEQ ID NO: 5 RhDbox1 ACCTGTCCCCATGATTCAGTTACCTCCCACTGGGTCCCTC

60 SEQ ID NO: 6 ************************************************************ RhDbox2

GATGAGATTTGGGTGGGGACACAACCAAACCCTATCATTCCACCCATGGCCCCTCCCAA 120 RhDboxhyb

GATGAGATTTGGGTGGGGACACAACCAAACCCTATCATTCCACCCATGGCCCCTCCCAA 120 RhDbox1  

GATGAGATTTGGGTGGGGACACAACCAAACCCTATCATTCCACCCATGGCCCCTCCCAA 120 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 ATTTCATGTCCTCACATTTCAAAACCAATCACACCATCCCAACAGTCCCTCAAAGTCTTA 180 RhDboxhyb ATTTCATGTCCTCACATTTCAAAACCAATCACACCATCCCAACAGTCCCTCAAAGTCTTA 180 RhDbox1 ATTTCATGTCCTCACATTTCAAAACCAATCACACCATCCCAACAGTCCCTCAAAGTCTTA 180 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 AATGATTTCAGCATTAACTCAAAAGTCCACAGTCTAATGTCTCATCTGAGACAAGGCAAG 240 RhDboxhyb AATGATTTCAGCATTAACTCAAAAGTCCACAGTCTAATGTCTCATCTGAGACAAGGCAAG 240 RhDbox1 AATGATTTCAGCATTAACTCAAAAGTCCACAGTCTAATGTCTCATCTGAGACAAGGCAAG 240 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 TCCTTTCCGTCTATGAGCCTATAAAATCCAAAGCAAGTTAATTACTTCCTAGATACAATG 300 RhDboxhyb TCCTTTCCATTTATGAGCCTATAAAATCCAAAGCAAGTTAGTTACTTCCTAGATACAATG 300 RhDbox1 TCCTTTCCATTTATGAGCCTATAAAATCCAAAGCAAGTTAGTTACTTCCTAGATACAATG 300 ******** * ***************************** ******************* RhDbox2 GGGGTACAGGCATTGGGTAAATACAGCCATTCCAAATGGGATAAATTGGTCAAAACAAAG 360 RhDboxhyb GGGGTACAGGCATTGGGTAAATACAGCCATTCCAAATGGGATAAATTGGTCAAAACAAAG 360 RhDbox1 GGGGTACAGGCATTGGGTAAATACAGCCATTCCAAATGGGATAAATTGGTCAAAACAAAG 360 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 AGGCTACAGGCCCATGAGAGTCCAAAATCCAGTGGGGCAGTCAAATCTTAAAGCTCCAAA 420 RhDboxhyb AGGCTACAGGCCCATGAGAGTCCAAAATCCAGTGGGGCAGTCAAATCTTAAAGCTCCAAA 420 RhDbox1 AGGCTACAGGCCCATGAGAGTCCAAAATCCAGTGGGGCAGTCAAATCTTAAAGCTCCAAA 420 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 ATGATCTCCTCTTGACTCCACATCTCACATCCAGGTCATGCAGATGGAAGGGGTGGGTTC 480 RhDboxhyb ATGATCTCCT-TTGACTCCACATCTCACATCCAGGTCACGCAGATGGAAGGGGTGGGTTC 479 RhDbox1 ATGATCTCCT-TTGACTCCACATCTCACATCCAGGTCACGCAGATGGAAGGGGTGGGTTC 479 ********** *************************** ********************* RhDbox2 CCATGGTCTTGGGCAGCTCTGCCCCTGTACCTTTGCAGGGTACAGCCTCCCTCTCAGCTG 540 RhDboxhyb CCATGGTCTTGGGCAGCTCTGCCCCTGTACCTTTGCAGGGTACAGCCTCCCTCTCAGCTG 539 RhDbox1 CCATGGTCTTGGGCAGCTCTGCCCCTGTACCTTTGCAGGGTACAGCCTCCCTCTCAGCTG 539 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 CTTTCATGGGCTGGCATTGAGTGTCTGCAACTTTTCCAGGTACACGGTGCAAGCTGTCGG 600 RhDboxhyb CTTTCATGGGCTGGCATTGAGTGT

CTTTTCCAGGTACACGGTGCAAGCTGTCGG 599 RhDbox1 CTTTCATGGGCTGGCATTGAGTGT

CTTTTCCAGGTACACGGTGCAAGCTGTCGG 599 ***************************** ****************************** RhDbox2 TGGATCTACCATTCTGGGGTCTGGAGGACCTCTTCTCACAGCTCCACTAGGTGGTGCCCC 660 RhDboxhyb TGGATCTACCATTCTGGGGTCTGGAGGACCTCTTCTCACAGCTCCACTAGGTGGTGCCCC 659 RhDbox1 TGGATCTACCATTCTGGGGTCTGGAGGACCTCTTCTCACAGCTCCACTAGGTGGTGCCCC 659 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 AGTAGGGACTGTGTGTGGGGTCTCTGACCCCACATTTCCCTTCTGCACTGCCCTGGCAGA 720 RhDboxhyb AGTAGGGACTGTGTGTGGGGTCTCTGACCCCACATTTCCCTTCTGCACTGCCCTGGCAGA 719 RhDbox1 AGTAGGGACTGTGTGTGGGGTCTCTGACCCCACATTTCCCTTCTGCACTGCCCTGGCAGA 719 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 GGATCTCCATGAGGGCCCTGCCC

CAAACTTCTGCCTGGGCATCCAGGCATTTCC 780 RhDboxhyb GGATCTCCATGAGGGCCCTGCTC

CAAACTTCTGACTGGGCATCCAGGCATTTCC 779 RhDbox1 GGATCTCCATGAGGGCCCTGCTC

CAAACTTCTGACTGGGCATCCAGGCATTTCC 779 ********************* ***************** ******************** RhDbox2 GCACATCCTCTTTAATCTAGGCGAAGGTTTCCAAACCCCAGTTCTTGACTTCTGTGCACT 840 RhDboxhyb GCACATCCTCTTTAATCTAGGCGAAGGTTTCCAAACCCCAATTCTTGACTTCTGTGCACT 839 RhDbox1 GCACATCCTCTTTAATCTAGGCGAAGGTTTCCAAACCCCAATTCTTGACTTCTGTGCACT 839 **************************************** ******************* RhDbox2 CGCAGTCTCAACACCACATGGAAGCTGTCAAGGCTTGGGGCTTGCACTCCCCGAAGCTAC 900 RhDboxhyb CGCAGTCTCAACACCACATGGAAGCTGTCAAGGCTTGGGGCTTGCACTCCCCGAAGCTAC 899 RhDbox1 CGCAGTCTCAACACCACATGGAAGCTGTCAAGGCTTGGGGCTTGCACTCCCCGAAGCTAC 899 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 AGCCCAAGCTCTACCTTGCCTCCTGTCAGTCATGGTTGGGAGTGGCTGGGATGCAGGGCA 960 RhDboxhyb AGCCCAAGCTCTACCTTGCCTCCCGTCAGTCATGGTTGGGAGTGGCTGGGATGCAGGGCA 959 RhDbox1 AGCCCAAGCTCTACCTTGCCTCCCGTCAGTCATGGTTGGGAGTGGCTGGGATGCAGGGCA 959 *********************** ************************************ RhDbox2 CCAAGTCCCTAGGCTGCACACAGCATGAGGACCCCGGGCCTGGCCAACAAAACCATTTTT 1020 RhDboxhyb CCAAGTCCCTAGGCTGCACACAGCATGAGGACCCCGGGCCTGGCCAACAAAACCATTTTT 1019 RhDbox1 CCAAGTCCCTAGGCTGCACACAGCATGAGGACCCCGGGCCTGGCCAACAAAACCATTTTT 1019 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 TCCTGATATCTCTGGACCTGTGATGGGAGGGGTTGCCATAAAGACCTCTGACATGCCCTG 1080 RhDboxhyb TCCTGATACCTCTGGACCTGTGATGGGAGGGGTTGCCATAAAGACCTCTGACATGCCCTG 1079 RhDbox1 TCCTGATACCTCTGGACCTGTGATGGGAGGGGTTGCCATAAAGACCTCTGACATGCCCTG 1079 ******** *************************************************** RhDbox2 GAGACATTTTCCCCATTGTCTTGGGAATTAGCATTTGGCTCCTGTTACTCATGCAAATTT 1140 RhDboxhyb GAGACATTTTCCCCATTGTCTTGGGAATTAGCATTTGGCTCCTGTTACTCATGCAAATTT 1139 RhDbox1 GAGACATTTTCCCCATTGTCTTGGGAATTAGCATTTGGCTCCTGTTACTCATGCAAATTT 1139 ************************************************************ RhDbox2

CCAGCTTGAATTTCTCCTCAGAAAATGGGAATTTTTCTTTTCTATCACATTGTC 1200 RhDboxhyb

CCAGCTTGAATTTCTCCTCAGAAAATGGGAATTTTTCTTTTCTATCACATTGTC 1199 RhDbox1

CCAGCTTGAATTTCTCCTCAGAAAATGGGAATTTTTCTTTTCTATCACATTGTC 1199 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 AGGCTGCAAATTTTCCGAACTTTTATGCTCTGCTTCCCTTATAAAACTGAATGTCTTTAA 1260 RhDboxhyb AGGCTGCAAATTTTCCGAACTTTTATGCTCTGCTTCCCTTATAAAACTGAATGTCTTTAA 1259 RhDbox1 AGGCTGCAAATTTTCCGAACTTTTATGCTCTGCTTCCCTTATAAAACTGAATGTCTTTAA 1259 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 CAGCACCCAAGTCACCTCTTGAATGCTTTGCTGCTTAGAAATTTCTCCTGCCAGATACTC 1320 RhDboxhyb CAGCACCCAAGTCACCTCTTGAATGCTTTGCTGCTTAGAAATTTCTCCTGCCAGATACTC 1319 RhDbox1 CAGCACCCAAGTCACCTCTTGAATGCTTTGCTGCTTAGAAATTTCTCCTGCCAGATACTC 1319 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 TAAATCATCTCTCTGAAGTTCAAAGTTCTACAAATATCTCGTGCAGGGGCAAAATGCCGC 1380 RhDboxhyb TAAATCATCTCTCTGAAGTTCAAAGTTCTACAAATATCTCGTGCAGGGGCAAAATGCCGC 1379 RhDbox1 TAAATCATCTCTCTGAAGTTCAAAGTTCTACAAATATCTCGTGCAGGGGCAAAATGCCGC 1379 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 CAGTATCTTTGCTAAAACATAACAAGAGTCCCCTTTGCTCCAGTTCCCAACAAGTTCCTC 1440 RhDboxhyb CAGTATCTTTGCTAAAACATAACAAGAGTCCCCTTTGCTCCAGTTCCCAACAAGTTCCTC 1439 RhDbox1 CAGTATCTTTGCTAAAACATAACAAGAGTCCCCTTTGCTCCAGTTCCCAACAAGTTCCTC 1439 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 ATTTCCGTCTGAGACCACCTCAGCCTATGGACTTTATTGTCCACAGTGCTATCAGCATTT 1500 RhDboxhyb ATTTCCGTCTGAGACCACCTCAGCCTATGGACTTTATTGTCCACAGTGCTATCAGCATTT 1499 RhDbox1 ATTTCCGTCTGAGACCACCTCAGCCTATGGACTTTATTGTCCACAGTGCTATCAGCATTT 1499 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 TGGGCAAAGCCATTCAACAAGTCTCTAGGAAGTTCCAAACTTTCCCACATTTGCCTGTCT 1560 RhDboxhyb TGGGCAAAGCCATTCAACAAGTCTCTAGGAAGTTCCAAACTTTCCCACATTTGCCTGTCT 1559 RhDbox1 TGGGCAAAGCCATTCAACAAGTCTCTAGGAAGTTCCAAACTTTCCCACATTTGCCTGTCT 1559 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 TCTTCTGAGCCCTCCAAACTGTTCCAAACCCTGCCTGTTACCCAGTTCCAAAGTCACATA 1620 RhDboxhyb TCTTCTGAGCCCTCCAAACTGTTCCAAACCCTGCCTGTTACCCAGTTCCAAAGTCACATA 1619 RhDbox1 TCTTCTGAGCCCTCCAAACTGTTCCAAACCCTGCCTGTTACCCAGTTCCAAAGTCACATA 1619 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 CCCATTTTTGAGTATCTACGGCAGCACCCCACTCTACTGGTACCAATTTAGCCACTGAAG 1680 RhDboxhyb CCCATTTTTGAGTATCTACGGCAGCACCCCACTCTACTGGTACCAATTTAGCCACTGAAG 1679 RhDbox1 CCCATTTTTGAGTATCTACGGCAGCACCCCACTCTACTGGTACCAATTTAGCCACTGAAG 1679 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 TAGTTGGAGAACAGAAGTAATAGACTCTGGTTTACATTGTAAAAGCTTCTCTGTGGCTGC 1740 RhDboxhyb TAGTTGGAGAACAGAAGTAATAGACTCTGGTTTACATTGTAAAAGCTTCTCTGTGGCTGC 1739 RhDbox1 TAGTTGGAGAACAGAAGTAATAGACTCTGGTTTACATTGTAAAAGCTTCTCTGTGGCTGC 1739 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 TGTGTGAAGAAAATATATGAGAATGAAGCCCCAAGATGAAGCAGGGACACAGTTGCAGTG 1800 RhDboxhyb TGTGTGAAGAAAATATATGAGAATGAAGCCCCAAGATGAAGCAGGGACACAGTTGCAGTG 1799 RhDbox1 TGTGTGAAGAAAATATATGAGAATGAAGCCCCAAGATGAAGCAGGGACACAGTTGCAGTG 1799 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 GTTAGAGTAAGAAATGCTGCTGGCTGGCACTGAAGTGATAGCCTGGAGGTTTGTGTGTGC 1860 RhDboxhyb GTTAGAGTAAGAAATGCTGCTGGCTGGCACTGAAGTGATAGCCTGGAGGTTTGTGTGTGC 1859 RhDbox1 GTTAGAGTAAGAAATGCTGCTGGCTGGCACTGAAGTGATAGCCTGGAGGTTTGTGTGTGC 1859 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 ACATGCATGTGTATGTGTTTTACGATAGTAGGCCCAACAGATACTGTAATCCACACTTGT 1920 RhDboxhyb ACATGCATGTGTATGTGTTTTACGATAGTAGGCCCAACAGATACTGTAATCCACACTTGT 1919 RhDbox1 ACATGCATGTGTATGTGTTTTACGATAGTAGGCCCAACAGATACTGTAATCCACACTTGT 1919 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTGAGACAGAGTCTCACCTGTTGCCTAGACTAGAATGCAGTGGCACA 1980 RhDboxhyb TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTGAGACAGAGTCTCACCTGTTGCCTAGACTAGAATGCAGTGGCACA 1979 RhDbox1 TTTTTTTTTTT----GAGACAGAGTCTCACCTGTTGCCTAGACTAGAATGCAGTGGCACA 1975 ***********    ********************************************* RhDbox2 ATCTTGGCTCACTACAACCTCCACCTCCCAGGTTCAAACAATCCTTGTGCTTCAGCCTCC 2040 RhDboxhyb ATCTTGGCTCACTACAACCTCCACCTCCCAGGTTCAAACAATCCTTGTGCTTCAGCCTCC 2039 RhDbox1 ATCTTGGCTCACTACAACCTCCACCTCCCAGGTTCAAACAATCCTTGTGCTTCAGCCTCC 2035 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 CGAGTAGTTGGGATTACAGGTGTGTGCCACCGTGCCCAGCTATATTTTTTGTATTTTTAG 2100 RhDboxhyb CGAGTAGTTGGGATTACAGGTGTGTGCCACCGTGCCCAGCTATATTTTTTGTATTTTTAG 2099 RhDbox1 CGAGTAGTTGGGATTACAGGTGTGTGCCACCGTGCCCAGCTATATTTTTTGTATTTTTAG 2095 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 CAGAGATGGGATTTTGCCACATTGGCCAGGCTGGTCTTGAACTCCTGGCCTCAAGCAATC 2160 RhDboxhyb CAGAGATGGGATTTTGCCACATTGGCCAGGCTGGTCTTGAACTCCTGGCCTCAAGCAATC 2159 RhDbox1 CAGAGATGGGATTTTGCCACATTGGCCAGGCTGGTCTTGAACTCCTGGCCTCAAGCAATC 2155 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 CTCCCACCTTAGCCTCCCAAAGTGCTGAGCCACCACACCTGGCCGCAACTGATTTTTAAT 2220 RhDboxhyb CTCCCACCTTAGCCTCCCAAAGTGCTGAGCCACCACACCTGGCCGCAACTGATTTTTAAT 2219 RhDbox1 CTCCCACCTTAGCCTCCCAAAGTGCTGAGCCACCACACCTGGCCGCAACTGATTTTTAAT 2215 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 CATGAAATGACACATACATTTAAAAAACCCAATACCTATAATATTCCTGGCTAGTACTCT 2280 RhDboxhyb CATGAAATGACACATACATTTAAAAAACCCAATACCTATAATATTCCTGGCTAGTACTCT 2279 RhDbox1 CATGAAATGACACATACATTTAAAAAACCCAATACCTATAATATTCCTGGCTAGTACTCT 2275 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 TCACATCTATATCATCAAAAACAAAGAAAGTATGTGAAACTGACACAGCCAAGGGGAGAC 2340 RhDboxhyb TCACATCTATATCATCAAAAACAAAGAAAGTATGTGAAACTGACACAGCCAAGGGGAGAC 2339 RhDbox1 TCACATCTATATCATCAAAAACAAAGAAAGTATGTGAAACTGACACAGCCAAGGGGAGAC 2335 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 TAAGGAGACATAACAATTAACTGTAATGTGGTATTCTGGAGGGGATCCTGGAACAGAAAA 2400 RhDboxhyb TAAGGAGACATAACAATTAACTGTAATGTGGTATTCTGGAGGGGATCCTGGAACAGAAAA 2399 RhDbox1 TAAGGAGACATAACAATTAACTGTAATGTGGTATTCTGGAGGGGATCCTGGAACAGAAAA 2395 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 AGACATTAGGCAAAAAACTAAAGAAATCTGAATAAAATGTGGATGTCAGTTAATAATAAT 2460 RhDboxhyb AGACATTAGGCAAAAAACTAAAGAAATCTGAATAAAATGTGGATGTCAGTTAATAATAAT 2459 RhDbox1 AGACATTAGGCAAAAAACTAAAGAAATCTGAATAAAATGTGGATGTCAGTTAATAATAAT 2455 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 GTATCATATTAGTCCAGTAATTGTAACAAATATACC-CAATAATGAAAGCCATTAATTAT 2519 RhDboxhyb GTATCATATTAGTCCAGTAATTGTAACAAATATACC-CAATAATGAAAGCCATTAATTAT 2518 RhDbox1 GTATCATATTAGTCCAGTAATTGTAACAAATATACCACAATAATGAAAGCCATTAATTAT 2515 ************************************ *********************** RhDbox2 AGGGAAAATGGAGGGGTTAATATGGGTGGCTGGCTTTTGCTATTTCTAGCAGCTCCATTT 2579 RhDboxhyb AGGGAAAATGGAGGGGTTAATATGGGTGGCTGGCTTTTGCTATTTCTAGCAGCTCCATTT 2578 RhDbox1 AGGGAAAATGGAGGGGTTAATATGGGTGGCTGGCTTTTGCTATTTCTAGCAGCTCCATTT 2575 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 TATCTACAAAAGACAAACATTCATTAAGTCCCAAAAAGGTAAAGAATGACAAATTAAGCA 2639 RhDboxhyb TATCTACAAAAGACAAACATTCATTAAGTCCCAAAAAGGTAAAGAATGACAAATTAAGCA 2638 RhDbox1 TATCTGCAAAAGACAAACATTCATTAAGTCCCAAAAAGGTAAAGAATGACAAATTAAGCA 2635 ***** ****************************************************** RhDbox2 TGTATCTTATTAGTAAGAGTAATATAAAGATGCTCACTCATATTTATAAATATTTGACAA 2699 RhDboxhyb TGTATCTTATTAGTAAGAGTAATATAAAGATGCTCACTCATATTTATAAATATTTGACAA 2698 RhDbox1 TGTATCTTATTAGTAAGAGTAATATAAAGATGCTCACTCCTATTTATAAATATTTGACAA 2695 *************************************** ******************** RhDbox2 TGATGTTAAGGCCAGAAAAGAGAAAAAAGGGTAGGGGCAAAAAACGCAAAGAGAAAGGAG 2759 RhDboxhyb TGATGTTAAGGCCAGAAAAGAGAAAAAAGGGTAGGGGCAAAAAACGCAAAGAGAAAGGAG 2758 RhDbox1 TCATGTTAAGGCCACAAAAGAGAAAAAAGGGTAGGGGCAAAAAACGCAAAGAGAAAGGAG 2755 * ************ ********************************************* RhDbox2 TTAGTATCTTTTCTCCCGCACTCATTAGCTATTAAAAGAGGATGTTTGTTTAAAGCTGCT 2819 RhDboxhyb TTAGTATCTTTTCTCCCGCACTCATTAGCTATTAAAAGAGGATGTTTGTTTAAAGCTGCT 2818 RhDbox1 TTAGTATCTTTTCTCCCGCACTCATTAGCTATTAAAAGAGGATGTTTGTTTAAAGCTGCT 2815 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 CAGAGCTGGTAAACTAATGTTAAGTCACTAACGGGAATTTAAAAGGTTTCATTAAGAACT 2879 RhDboxhyb CAGAGCTGGTAAACTAATGTTAAGTCACTAACGGGAATTTAAAAGGTTTCATTAAGAACT 2878 RhDbox1 CAGAGCTGGTAAACTAATGTTAAGTCACTAACGGGAATTTAAAAGGTTTCATTAAGAACT 2875 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 GCCTGCACTAGATTCCTCCACCCTGAGACATTAAACAATCACGATAAACCTCCTGAGTGG 2939 RhDboxhyb GCCTGCACTAGATTCCTCCACCCTGAGACATTAAACAATCACGATAAACCTCCTGAGTGG 2938 RhDbox1 GCCTGCACTAGATTCCTCCACCCTGAGACATTAAACAATCACGATAAACCTCCTGAGTGG 2935 ************************************************************ RhDbox2 TAAGAACGTGTCCATTTAAAAACAGG

--

TATCTACTAAT 2997 RhDboxhyb TAAGAACGTGTCCATTTAAAAACAGG

--

TATCTACTAAT 2996 RhDbox1 TAAGAACTTGTCCATTTAAAAACAGGCTATAGATTGTATCATGCAGTTTTATCTACTAAT 2995 ******* *****************************  ********************* RhDbox2 CGGCTAAT

AAAGGGATGAAAGTTTCATCCATC 3057 RhDboxhyb CGGCTAAT

AAAGGGATGAAAGTTTCATCCATC 3056 RhDbox1 CGGCTAATATCCCGCCAAAAACAAA----AAACCCCAAAGGGATGAAAGTTTCATCCATC 3051 ********   **************    *** *************************** RhDbox2 AAAGGAAACAAC  3069 RhDboxhyb AAAGGAAACAAC  3068 RhDbox1 AAAGGAAACAAC  3063

As can be seen from the sequence alignment in Table 1, the two repeat boxes flanking the RhD gene (RhDbox1 and RhDbox2) and the hybrid box (RhDboxhyb) are almost identical. The Pst I site that can be used for allelic discrimination is found upstream of base number 600 and is indicated in italics and bold above (base pairs 564-569 of the RhDboxhyb). Two other Pst I sites within the sequence are also indicated in italics and bold (base pairs 742-747 and 1140-1145 of the RhDboxhyb). Because RhD box 1 and the hybrid box both carry the Pst I restriction site up stream of base number 600, a method for only amplifying DNA from RhD box2 and the hybrid box was developed. This allows the absence of the Pst I site to be the marker for the intact RhD gene and the presence of the Pst I site to be used as the marker for the deleted RhD gene. The sequence immediately upstream from base 3057 in the above sequences shows a divergence between RhDbox1 and the other RhDboxes. The sequence divergence consists of base substitutions and deletions. Designing a primer across this divergence (indicated in italics and bold in the above sequence alignment at base pairs 3005-3030 of the RhDboxhyb, SEQ ID NO:3) allowed for the generation of PCR products specific to RhDbox2 and the hybrid box. This primer is unique to the RhD gene and was therefore ideal for use in an assay that is dependent on generating a unique PCR product from genomic DNA. Additionally, a second primer upstream of the 3′ primer can be used. It is also indicated in italics and bold at base pairs 2965-2985 of RhDboxhyb (SEQ ID NO:2). In addition to the primer at the end of the sequence of interest a primer at the start of the sequence is required for successful assay development. One such primer was developed and is indicated in italics and bold at base pairs 43-61 of RhDboxhyb (SEQ ID NO:1). As in the previous case, this primer is unique to the RhDboxes and, when used in combination with the previously described primers, led to the production of unique PCR products from human genomic DNA. Previous attempts to achieve this that have been reported in the literature have failed to yield unique PCR product from genomic DNA.

FIG. 2 illustrates the use of the test to determine the zygosity of an RhD−/− mother, RhD+/+ homozygous father and two RhD+/− heterozygous offspring. The left side of the panel shows the uncut PCR product from the parents and offspring, which is approximately 3000 base pairs in size. On the right side, the PCR product was cut with Pst I. The PCR product from the homozygous RhD+/+father was cut into three bands (two restriction sites) that are 1800, 740 and 400 base pairs in size. The PCR product from the homozygous RhD−/− deletion carrying mother was cut into four bands (three restriction sites) that are 1800, 560, 400 and 180 base pairs in size. The 180 base pair band was not as clearly visible as the others because it contained less DNA that the other bands such that less ethidium bromide was bound even though the molar ratio of the bands was the same. The offspring, one male and one female, were antigenically RhD+/− and heterozygous for the RhD deletion. As a result Pst I digestion of the PCR product obtained from their DNA yielded 5 bands. The 1800 and 400 base pair bands, which they share with both parents, a 740 base pair band, which was diagnostic for the intact RhD allele and two bands of 560 and 180 base pairs, which were diagnostic for the RhD deletion allele.

In addition, a second set of primers was tested which consisted of the original 5′ primer and the alternative 3′ primer. The second primer set gave less PCR product that the original set under identical test conditions, as evidenced in FIG. 3. However, the second primer set also discriminated between RhD+/+, RhD+/−, and RhD−/− digested PCR products demonstrating that the second primer set could also be used to determine RhD zygosity. 

1. A primer comprising a nucleotide having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:2, or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:2, wherein the primer is about 18 to about 30 nucleotides in length or about 25 to about 50 nucleotides in length.
 2. The primer of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide sequence has at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:2.
 3. The primer of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide sequence has at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:2.
 4. The primer of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide sequence is SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:2.
 5. The primer of claim 1, wherein the primer hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleotide sequence in the region between positions 2940 and 3057 of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:6.
 6. The primer of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide comprises about 1 to about 10 consecutive nucleotides of the 5′ end of SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:2.
 7. The primer of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide comprises about 1 to about 10 consecutive nucleotides of the 3′ end of SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:2.
 8. A composition comprising the primer of claim 1 and further comprising a second primer, wherein said second primer hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleotide sequence in the region between positions 1 and 540 of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:6.
 9. The composition of claim 8, wherein said second primer comprises SEQ ID NO:1 or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90% identity with SEQ ID NO:1.
 10. A method of determining Rhesus D (RhD) zygosity in a subject, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a nucleic acid comprising a RhD gene from a biological sample of the subject; (b) performing a PCR assay on the nucleic acid with a primer pair comprising (i) the primer of claim 1, and (ii) a second primer, wherein said second primer hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleotide sequence in the region between positions 1 and 540 of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:6, wherein the PCR assay results in a PCR product; (c) digesting the PCR product with a restriction enzyme; and (d) analyzing the digested PCR product for nucleotide fragments of a first, second or third pattern; wherein the digested PCR product pattern determines the RhD zygosity of the subject.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein said second primer comprises SEQ ID NO:1 or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90% identity with SEQ ID NO:1.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the nucleic acid is DNA.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the restriction enzyme is PstI.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the primer of claim 1 has at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:2.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the primer of claim 1 has at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:2.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the primer of claim 1 has a nucleotide sequence comprising SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:2.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the primer of claim 1 hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleotide sequence in the region between positions 2940 and 3057 of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:6.
 18. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of sequencing the RhD gene to determine if the subject has a weak D allele, wherein a mutation within the RhD gene indicates the subject has a weak D allele.
 19. A kit for determining RhD zygosity, the kit comprising: (a) the primer of claim 1; (b) a container; and (c) optionally, instructions for use.
 20. The kit of claim 19, further comprising a second primer, wherein said second primer hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleotide sequence in the region between positions 1 and 540 of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5 or SEQ ID NO:6.
 21. The kit of claim 20, wherein said second primer comprises SEQ ID NO:1 or a nucleotide sequence with at least 90% identity with SEQ ID NO:1.
 22. The kit of claim 19, further comprising a restriction enzyme.
 23. The kit of claim 22, wherein the restriction enzyme is Pst I. 